Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, expressed skepticism on Tuesday about the potential for Nnamdi Kanu’s release to end the ongoing insecurity in the South-East region.

Soludo argued that criminal groups had co-opted the Biafran struggle and were now using Kanu’s name to justify their illegal activities, which have escalated insecurity across the region.

According to Soludo, individuals who initially claimed to be fighting for Biafra had devolved into criminal enterprises, engaging in activities like kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and other unlawful acts.

He emphasized that these crimes were driven not by political motives but by greed and lawlessness.

At a press briefing in Amawbia, Soludo revealed alarming statistics about crime in Anambra, noting that over 99% of the criminals arrested in the state in the past two years were from the South-East, with more than 70% being non-indigenes.

He lamented the transformation of the so-called agitators into well-organized criminal gangs operating from forests, engaging in kidnappings and extortions while hiding behind the Biafran cause.

“These criminals are no longer driven by the ideals of the Biafran struggle but by the pursuit of wealth,” Soludo stated.

“Their actions are harming their own people, yet they justify their brutality under the pretext of fighting for liberation.”

Soludo also expressed doubts that the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu would bring an end to the violence, pointing out that Kanu and IPOB had distanced themselves from the criminals responsible for the current wave of violence.

He suggested that even if Kanu were freed, the criminals would likely not heed his call, as their motives had shifted from seeking freedom to seeking financial gain.

The governor criticized the role some local communities played in supporting the criminals, with some residents providing sustenance to those hiding in the forests.

He lamented that in some areas, security forces were seen as adversaries, while criminals were regarded as heroes.

To combat the growing insecurity, Soludo announced the launch of Operation Udo Ga Chi (Operation Peace Shall Reign) after January 25, a comprehensive security initiative aimed at restoring peace across the state.

The operation will deploy 163 branded vehicles for stop-and-search activities, along with advanced surveillance technology to monitor criminal activities and secure forests.

“We are intensifying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to reclaim our forests and restore peace,” Soludo said.

He also called on criminals to embrace the state’s amnesty program, which remains open until the end of February.

Urging residents, religious leaders, and traditional rulers to take ownership of their communities, Soludo stressed that collective action was essential to defeating insecurity.

“Anambra will no longer be a sanctuary for criminals masquerading as freedom fighters,” he stated.

The governor expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and security agencies for their support in tackling crime and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring lasting peace and security in the state.

A Bayelsa State High Court has convicted Mr. Prudent Oguruguru, the Senior Special Assistant on General Duties to Governor Duoye Diri, for assaulting a man in February 2024.

Oguruguru was arrested on February 20 for allegedly attacking one Ubong Effiong Ubek in the Agudama-Epie area of Yenagoa Local Government.

Reports indicate that Ubek fell unconscious following the assault.

Following the arrest, Oguruguru was arraigned before Justice I.A. Orukari on charges of conspiracy, attempted murder, assault occasioning harm, serious assault, and malicious damage.

Although Oguruguru pleaded not guilty to all charges, the prosecution presented six witnesses and submitted seven exhibits to support the case.

On Tuesday, Justice Orukari ruled that the prosecution had proven the assault charge beyond reasonable doubt, convicting Oguruguru.

However, the court dismissed the attempted murder charges, stating that there was insufficient evidence to support them.

In the sentencing phase, Oguruguru’s defense counsel, Abadiofoni, urged the court to show mercy, emphasizing that the defendant was a first-time offender.

However, the prosecution’s lawyer, D.J. Olubowale, objected, citing a Supreme Court ruling that allocutus, a plea for mercy, must come directly from the defendant.

Oguruguru, in his allocutus, pleaded with the court to consider his family situation, highlighting that he was the sole provider for his young family and elderly mother.

Justice Orukari sentenced Oguruguru to three years in prison for the assault charge, with the option of a N250,000 fine.

The sentence for the other assault charge will also run concurrently, with the same fine option.

The judge noted that Oguruguru’s remorse and status as a first-time offender were factors in his relatively lenient sentencing.

A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) stationed at the Dakin Gari Orientation Camp in Kebbi has tragically died after collapsing.

The corps member reportedly slumped and was immediately taken to the camp’s clinic for initial medical treatment.

She was later transferred to the Federal Teaching Hospital in Birnin-Kebbi, where doctors confirmed her death despite efforts to resuscitate her.

Muhammad Fingila, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, confirmed the incident, calling the death a tragic loss.

He also stated that arrangements have been made by the state government to send the corps member’s remains back to her home state of Adamawa.

Between May 2023 and April 2024, a staggering 614,937 Nigerians were killed and 2.2 million others were kidnapped across the country, according to a recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The findings were published in the Crime Experienced and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) 2024, which was based on surveys conducted during this period.

The report highlights the widespread nature of the crime, noting that a total of N2.2 trillion was paid as ransom for those kidnapped, with an average ransom of N2.7 million per incident.

The majority of murders occurred in rural areas, with 335,827 deaths reported, while urban areas recorded 279,110 killings.

In terms of geographic distribution, the North West had the highest number of murder cases (206,030), followed by the North East (188,992), while the South West had the lowest with 15,693 deaths.

Seven out of ten households nationwide reported murders to the police, with many cases involving unknown perpetrators or family members.

Regarding kidnappings, 1.67 million victims were abducted in rural areas, while 567,850 were kidnapped from urban regions.

The North West also recorded the highest number of abductions, with 1.42 million cases, followed by the North Central (317,837) and South East (110,432).

The report also revealed that 82.1% of kidnapped individuals were released, while 12.8% were killed, and 3.3% remain in captivity.

The amount paid for ransoms was highest in the North West (N1.2 trillion), with the South East reporting the least (N85.4 billion). The report noted that urban households paid an average of N3.7 million for ransoms, while rural households paid N2.3 million.

Additionally, 91% of kidnappings were financially motivated, while a small percentage were linked to political, criminal, or personal disputes.

The report also highlighted 1.6 million motor vehicle thefts during the survey period, with the North West leading in car thefts (603,756) and the South West recording the least (140,144).

In terms of security spending, Nigerians spent an average of N80,878 on security measures over the last year, with the South East reporting the highest security expenditure (N135,398).

Insecurity in the country is affecting public spaces, with ATM points (31.7%) and public transport (29.1%) being the places where Nigerians feel most unsafe.

The report also revealed that many Nigerians have started paying for their own security due to the rising threat of crime.

Security experts, like Abdullahi Garba, emphasized the need for the government to address socio-economic disparities, which fuel criminal activities.

He suggested that the government needs to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor to reduce the number of youths involved in crime.

A recent report by the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has identified law enforcement and security agencies such as the police, military, and intelligence services as the principal aggressors against the media in Nigeria, with these groups accounting for the majority of journalist attacks in 2024.

The comprehensive 137-page report, titled “Media Freedom Under Threat: The State of Media Freedom and Journalists’ Safety in Nigeria 2024”, revealed that in 2022, security agencies were responsible for 29 out of 64 recorded attacks on journalists, representing nearly 45% of the total.

The situation worsened in 2023, when these agencies were involved in 34 out of 77 incidents, making up around 44% of the attacks.

However, 2024 has seen a notable escalation, with security agencies being implicated in 45 of the 69 attacks between January and October, which accounts for approximately 65% of all recorded incidents.

John Gbadamosi, MRA’s Programme Officer, expressed concern about this troubling trend, stating, “It is ironic that those entrusted with upholding the law and safeguarding citizens including journalists are now the primary agents of repression against the media. The widespread culture of impunity, which allows past offenders to act without fear of consequences, has emboldened these perpetrators to act with ever-increasing boldness.”

The report detailed 21 cases of assault, 17 arbitrary arrests, three raids on journalists’ offices or homes, eight death threats, six kidnappings, five instances of obstruction, one journalist killed, and several other forms of attacks.

Beyond security forces, the report also cited government officials (responsible for four attacks), the judiciary (two incidents), criminal elements (seven attacks), and unknown assailants (four attacks) as contributors to the growing hostility against journalists.

In a more positive note, Gbadamosi highlighted that 2024 saw a breakthrough in reducing the influence of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

The NBC had previously imposed heavy fines on broadcasters for alleged violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

However, due to court rulings in May 2023 and January 2024, which prohibited these fines, the NBC refrained from imposing any penalties during the year.

Additionally, the report celebrated a significant development with the launch of a court-ordered investigation into the death of Pelumi Onifade, a journalist with Gboah TV who died after being arrested by police during the 2020 #EndSARS protests.

The investigation, which followed a wrongful death lawsuit initiated by the MRA, marks an important step towards accountability in attacks against journalists in Nigeria.

Gbadamosi stressed that unless the Nigerian government takes concrete steps to protect media freedom, the cycle of violence and impunity against journalists will continue to weaken the country’s democracy and the public’s right to information.

Meanwhile, security agencies also contributed to discussions on journalists’ safety.

Kabiru Mohammed Sani, Deputy Director of the Directorate of State Security (DSS) in Plateau State, advised journalists to prioritize security awareness during their work.

At a training workshop organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Jos, Sani emphasized that journalists should remain cautious and vigilant, particularly when encountering unusual situations that could compromise their safety.

Similarly, Nelson Nanlap, another DSS official, urged journalists to avoid spreading information that could cause public panic or jeopardize security operations.

He emphasized the importance of adhering to journalistic ethics and ensuring that all information is properly verified before reporting.

In another part of the country, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori called on government spokespersons, media appointees, and social media influencers to actively counter misinformation and propaganda.

Speaking at the 5th Delta State Communication Workshop in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori highlighted the importance of effective communication in promoting the state’s achievements and advancing the administration’s goals.

He encouraged participants to enhance their skills and adapt to the evolving media landscape, especially in the digital era.

Oborevwori reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to improve the lives of Nigerians, including those in Delta State.

He also stressed the role of media professionals in promoting peace, stability, and responsible governance.

The event featured discussions on media engagement and communication strategies, with trainers like Prof. Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika from the University of Lagos emphasizing the need for clear and impactful communication in governance.

In conclusion, the report from the Media Rights Agenda paints a concerning picture of the state of press freedom in Nigeria, with security agencies at the forefront of attacks against journalists.

Despite some positive developments, the persistence of impunity poses significant challenges to media safety and democracy in the country.